Christmas is in the air. Aren't you excited? I'll be honest, I wasn't until few minutes ago. See, I come from a divorced family and every since I was little, Christmas has always been hectic. Always trying to squeeze in all of the Christmas meals to go to, spend equal amount of time with each family, and trying to find time to enjoy it all. As a parent, I realized that making memories are what matters.
My daughter is almost three and a half years ago (agh!!! slow down time!). She is learning about Jesus and why we celebrate Christmas. While listening to a comedian earlier talk about the night Jesus was born he got me to thinking. What do you think it was like to raise God?
You see, we stress today over the silly things: are my kids gifts crafty, are they getting enough ball time, are they socializing enough, etc. I mean come on...I love Pinterest but I also get frustrated when my crafts or planned birthday parties don't turn out like the pin. Pushing all of the parenting stress that comes from social media, news, Pinterest, and all of the other ways we comparing our parenting skills...and think about the task of raising God.
Do you remember the emotions you experience when you get to hold your baby for the first time? I'll share mine with my daughter...I was scared and happy at the same time. How am I going to raise this child? This child is solely dependent on ME! With my son, it was a little less dramatic and just heart warming. I was so exhausted because my epidural wore off, but when they placed both of my babies in my arms, I was so blessed. Can you comprehend the emotions Mary must have felt to not only hold her first child but also be holding God? A perfect little baby, wrapping him in those swaddling clothes, nursing him, and just cuddling him close.
My little son is learning to crawl and pull up. Stop and think about those milestones Mary got to experience with God. God Himself! Many times I am overwhelmed by the daunting task of raising a law abiding, society contributing, Christ fear, Bible loving, Church going...you get the picture, child. But my task is nothing compared to Mary's.
During the Christmas time, as a mom, stop and reflect on a different perspective of Jesus' birth. Take a moment and cherish your children. God has chosen YOU to be their mom. He has equipped you with the tools you will need, just like he did Mary. "It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismay." Deuteronomy 31:8
MERRY CHRISTMAS...and Parent in God's Grace!
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